Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2020, 75cl

The quest to understand the name of this wine and the wine itself is now the stuff of legend. While we are not about to reveal all, we can say that the style of the wine is a reflection of our belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds.

The make-up of this wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine’s charm and personality.

The Chocolate Block 2019 is a blend of Syrah (71%); Grenache Noir (11%); Cinsault (9%) Cabernet Sauvignon (8%); and Viognier (1%). This vintage is unique in the sense that all the grapes for our blend are now grown in the Swartland, hence its wine of origin certification.

By early accounts, 2019 is proving to be another good vintage for Syrah with pronounced black fruit flavours and a classic black olive nuance. The predominant variety (71%) displays a beautiful inkiness
in the glass. The Grenache vineyards on Porseleinberg are becoming well-established, and this variety is undoubtedly the bright, perfumed star of the blend revealing an old, Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like charm. Syrah and Cinsault were matured in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres and barriques. Grenache was matured in seasoned 600L demi-muids. Cabernet Sauvignon was the only
component exposed to new French oak barrique. The elevage ranged between 13 & 16 months, dependant on component and vineyard parcel. 2414 barriques were selected for our 2019 vintage.

The nose is dark, intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit character of the nose follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and liquorice. The mid-palate is focused, lithe and elegant with very fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium bodied, very balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and black berries. The finish is svelte, clean and dry, peppery and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke.

"Perhaps one of the most floral vintages that I’ve seen in a while, the 2020 Chocolate Block is a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. The nose is robust, juicy and expressive with hints of bramble, red and black spice and elegant purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the mouthfeel displays a balanced structure with focused tannins and lifting acidity that frames the mid-palate. Then wine finishes with a delightfully lingering, fruit-forward essence with a kiss of tar, roses and baked rocks. This will have no challenges making it until its 10th birthday. 2,982 barrels were produced. Give it a try. Drink to 2032.
90+ points."
(Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate, June 2022)

"A blend of predominantly Syrah, with Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet and a splash of Viognier, sourced from Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, this wine is no shrinking violet and enjoys a loyal fanbase who expect it to deliver the big, smooth, rich - even chocolatey! - flavours it is known for. This latest vintage is more of the same, with violet-tinged black fruits alongside coffee, chocolate and some woody touches, balanced out by bright acidity.
Drinking Window 2019 - 2024"
90 Points
(James Button, Decanter Magazine, August 2020)